Month: February 2014

We had just made a Costco run in Hawaii Kai and then went down by the water to see if any birds were around. We found a few Spotted Doves that were friendly enough to get some close shots.

Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery, Kaneohe, Hawaii – January 25, 2014 – We found Spotted Doves in many different locations. You can find them right downtown, usually among the more common and much smaller Zebra Doves.

This was a lifer for me. I know this species is not indigenous to Hawaii, but nonetheless, it is thriving in the Hawaiian climate. Many pet birds in Hawaii have escaped to form a new colony. This bird is very tiny and constantly on the move. This is the only spot I have observed this species.

Whenever we visit Hawaii we buy flowers for my wife’s parents who are laid to rest at the most beautiful cemetery I have ever seen. It is located at the base of the Koolau Mountain Range (below the famous Pali Lookout). With the mountains to your back you have a beautiful panoramic view of windward Oahu. One day my wife and I will be enjoying this location on a more permanent basis, but not quite yet. There are a lot of birds on the cemetery property. We usually see Rock Pigeons, Cattle Egret, Mynah, Zebra and Spotted Doves, Cardinals, and on this occasion Pacific Golden Plover. This Rock Pigeon caught my eye. I love its coloring.

When we’re staying at our vacation home in Sequim, we often drive out to Port Angeles to check out Ediz Hook. It is a long sand spit with a Coast Guard station out at the end. Here are 5 photos from our time out there last month. It’s difficult to get close enough to the ducks to get individual photos, so these are all groups. I concentrated on the Harlequin Ducks, but there are also some American Wigeons and Greater Scaups. We saw some loons, but I didn’t get any worthwhile photos.

This Snowy Egret was at Lake Moran in Santa Cruz, CA last November. There is a walking trail along the lake that leads to the beach and then we walk over to the cliffs and walk towards Capitola to look for birds and whales and the surfers. It’s good exercise and a fun walk or bike ride.